What is API vs EDI?

API (Application Programming Interface) and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) are two common methods businesses use to exchange data electronically. While both facilitate the automation of B2B transactions—like purchase orders and invoices—they differ in technology, speed, flexibility, and adoption.

Understanding the difference between API and EDI is critical for manufacturers and distributors looking to modernize their order processing while meeting partner requirements.

What is EDI?

EDI has been a standard in B2B data exchange for decades. It allows structured documents (like POs or ASNs) to be transmitted between trading partners’ systems in a predefined format.

Pros:

• Widely adopted among enterprise trading partners
• Reduces paper-based processes
• Enables scheduled, batch-based data exchange

Cons:

• Inflexible and expensive to set up
• Difficult to onboard new partners
• Poor real-time visibility
• Requires strict format adherence
• Limited to trading partners using EDI-capable systems

What is API?

APIs are modern, real-time connectors that allow systems to communicate and share data seamlessly. APIs are increasingly used in eCommerce, logistics, and supply chain platforms to support dynamic, instant data exchange.

Pros:

• Real-time communication
• Easier to integrate with modern systems
• Supports dynamic data formats
• Enables faster onboarding and scalability

Cons:

• Not standardized across trading partners
• Requires technical expertise to build and maintain
• Many suppliers and customers still rely on email or PDF-based processes

How Conexiom Overcomes API and EDI Limitations

Conexiom provides a unique solution that goes beyond the limitations of both API and EDI by using AI-powered automation to turn unstructured documents—like emailed PDFs, spreadsheets, or printed POs—into clean, validated, and touchless digital transactions.

Why Conexiom stands out:

• No Customer Behavior Change: Customers keep sending orders however they prefer—no portals, no API or EDI setup required.
• Touchless Processing: Achieve 87%+ automation of order entry without manual review or approval.
• Self-Learning AI: Converts emailed documents into structured order data with 95%+ accuracy.
• Scalable and Fast: Accelerates digital transformation even with customers who don’t support EDI or APIs.

API vs EDI vs Conexiom